In 1961, David
Jones and another young lawyer borrowed $1,000 each to build a nursing home.
That modest investment turned into Humana, which grew first into the largest
nursing home company in the U.S., then the largest hospital corporation, and
today one of the nation’s largest health insurance and integrated care
companies. David A. Jones, Always Moving Forward is the autobiography of
the Humana co-founder, depicting his profound impact on American healthcare as
well as his love and engagement for his hometown.
It
is an entrepreneur’s account of seeing things that are not there yet, adapting
to change that has not begun yet. In a conversation led by University of
Louisville professor and futurist Dr. Nat Irvin, David A. Jones, Jr., will
discuss his father’s seemingly unparalleled capacity to assess and make
decisions with great rapidity … often with an innate sense of anticipation.
Ultimately,
they will explore how David Jones’ unflinching ability to innovate translates
into the business and entrepreneurial spirit – and challenges – of 2023.
Recognizing that
entrepreneurs “between the coasts” are too often overlooked by venture
capitalists, David A. Jones, Jr., co-founded Chrysalis Ventures in Louisville
in 1993. That same year, his father’s company Humana exited its
industry-leading hospital business, reinventing itself as an insurer, and David
joined Humana’s board to help guide the transition. He served on the board for
30 years, until the spring of 2023, and was chair from 2005 to 2010.
Author, innovator,
futurist, teacher, composer and former radio and television commentator, Nat
Irvin, II, serves as Assistant Dean of Thought Leadership and Civic Engagement,
and Woodrow M. Strickler Chair, Professor of Management Practice, University of
Louisville, College of Business. He teaches graduate courses in the future of
management, executive leadership, team dynamics, and Spirituality &
Principles of Self Discovery.